n our desires. Western culture because of the stress on individual freedom suffers. The part of the Constitution of one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and freedom for all is forgotten many times in the search for wealth. Thirdly, there is a state of no suffering from all types of pain and lastly there is a way to reach this pain-free state. Mankind survives on hope. Prayers, like meditation, achieve a higher state of comfort. I love the Buddha teaching of the Karma as an act of will. This act sets another one into motion. When we die, the acts just continue on another plane not seen. A person is caught in aging, suffering, death and rebirth unless we reach nirvana. This state is perfection. Theravada is the path of mindfulness. One gives up earthly comforts. One is seeking a life neither of self-indulgence nor self-denial. One strives for clarity of mind. Records of Buddha teachings, known as the three baskets (Pali Canon) of the law were rules for monks and nuns. There are folktales that govern the conduct of the religious. Monasteries are the center of village life. Men today are only allowed to stay in these structures as monks. Women in the Theravada belief are forever subservient to the monks. Mahayana Buddhist practices and teachings are open-ended and emphasize the importance of individual religious experience. Lotus teachings were geared to the audience and readiness to hear the truth. One is called to become like Budda to save others. Members of these communities took vows dedicated to enlightenment. In Theravada, Buddha is a figure who no longer exists but who left his Dharma as a guide. Mahayana portrays Buddha as many ones appearing in different places simultaneously.The perfection of wisdom celebrates the experience of emptiness for most of Mahayana. This application of emptiness is even including the teachings of Buddha. With this perfection of wisdom, there are no objects to fear. One attains nirvana of emptin...
